ground beef stuffed cabbage rolls recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ground beef stuffed cabbage rolls recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite ground beef stuffed cabbage rolls recipe. This dish has been a staple in my family for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to feed a crowd or a comforting dinner for your loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The origins of this dish are unclear, but it’s believed to have originated from Eastern European cuisine.

The combination of ground beef, rice, and spices wrapped in cabbage leaves is simply divine. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every time it turns out perfectly.

My kids love helping me roll the cabbage leaves, and my husband requests it for special occasions. It’s an easy recipe to follow, and the end result is well worth the effort.

The aroma of this dish wafting from the oven is incredible, and it’s sure to become a staple in your household as well.

Ground Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

4.7 from 1341 votes

Ground Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory ground beef filling, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time1 hr 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hrs
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 400 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stuffing

1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 large head of cabbage
1 tbsp salt

For the Sauce

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2Add 1 tbsp salt and submerge the whole cabbage head in the water.
3Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the leaves are softened and can be easily peeled off.
4Remove the cabbage from the water and set aside to cool.
5Once cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the leaves and set aside.
6In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
7Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
8Form the mixture into small, flat ovals that will fit inside the cabbage leaves.
9Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board.
10Place a ground beef mixture oval in the center of the leaf.
11Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom to the top, creating a neat cabbage roll.
12Repeat with remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
13In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
14Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar.
15Stir well to combine.
16Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
17Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
18In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom.
19Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.
20Pour the remaining sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well coated.
21Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
22Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
23Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of cooking to allow the top to brown slightly.
24Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
25This allows the cabbage rolls to set and makes them easier to handle.
26Serve the cabbage rolls hot, with additional tomato sauce spooned over the top if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 400 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use cooked lentils or mushrooms instead of ground beef.

Watch Video Of How Ground Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Works

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals.

Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit different tastes and dietary needs. I love that this dish can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a large crowd, making it a budget-friendly option.

Plus, leftovers can be easily reheated and enjoyed for days. Ground beef stuffed cabbage rolls are a versatile and delicious dish that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Q: What type of meat is best used for ground beef stuffed cabbage rolls?

The best type of meat for this recipe is lean ground beef. You can also use ground turkey or pork if you prefer. Just make sure to cook the meat until it’s fully browned and there’s no pink color remaining.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice if you prefer. However, keep in mind that using fresh cooked rice will yield better results.

Q: How do I store leftover ground beef stuffed cabbage rolls?

You can store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.

Q: Can I reheat these cabbage rolls in a microwave?

Yes, you can reheat them in the microwave. Simply place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Heat on high for 30-60 seconds or until heated through.

Q: What are some variations on this recipe?

You can add some chopped onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor. Alternatively, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a different twist on the recipe.

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